A vineyard in North Georgia? A to Za’atar goes wine tasting!
I’m fortunate to know some of the team behind Yonah Mountain Vineyards in northern GA, and in our visit home, finally had the chance to go for a visit! Although I had seen pictures (and have visited vineyards around the world), on a beautiful June day, I was happy to help celebrate a friend’s ongoing success. Although there is a partial flight available (4 wines), we decided to sample the full flight of 8 wines and after some deliberation selected five bottles (1 sauvignon blanc, 2 pinot noir and 1 bottle of Genesis) to come home with us. At the generous consideration of our host, we were also able to sample the award winning Totem (2011). As it retails for $100 a bottle (!), I can tell you that taste lives up to the price. I don’t consider myself to have an evolved palate of any kind, but I can recognize…
Delicious Decatur: Kimball House.
Although there is a time and place for my beloved Chick-Fil-a, when meeting up with some well-traveled friends, after a bit of back and forth, we arrived at the decision to head back to Decatur (for those keeping score — our third trip to the town) and dine at Kimball House. Formerly a train station, the interior of the venue is part hipster, part history and all cool. As a restaurant that works with numerous local farmers and other local businesses, I was happy to meet up here. Hubs and I arrived early (have you met me?), took a seat at the bar, and proceeded to order a drink off of the extensive and creative cocktail list (most impressive of which was the absinthe selection). I didn’t partake in the green fairy, but it was rare to see such a large choice of the liqueur. Hubs immediately spotted the large range…
The National: Athens, GA steps up!
So, the next step on my stomach expanding Southern hospitality tour was a visit to The National, located in Athens, GA (and ranked quite highly on Trip Advisor). As Hubs used to work for one of the best restaurants in the city (The Last Resort Grill, still quite popular…with people waiting as I walked by), my standards were high. While said husband was off getting a(nother) tattoo, I strolled down Hancock and was seated for lunch in the open space restaurant. With a slightly modified lunch menu (I appreciated there are different choices than what’s on offer for dinner), I found a nice bright mix of plates (so much so that I had a difficult time making up my mind). In the end, I opted for a glass of cava, the goat cheese appetizer and a turkey burger (which I had halved to bring to Hubs, who usually gets hungry…
Local Republic: Put Some South in Your Mouth.
For another stop on my ‘local restaurants of Gwinnett County tour,’ I had Local Republic in mind. An easy 15 minutes from my parent’s house, the restaurant is located in quaint downtown Lawrenceville. Given a wonderful June day, we opted to eat outside (there is nothing particularly great to look at, mostly just cars passing by, but we wanted a small moment of Americana). Our server was prompt and suggested a beer (gose – that’s a thing?) for Hubs, while I opted for a classic Diet Coke. For food, I decided to commit fully to being on vacation and ordered the Tuna Crudo (including avocado, pineapple, local sprouts w/infused habanero & basil oil) with a side of goats cheese and sage potatoes – don’t judge). Hubs went true Southern and opted for a fried green tomato sandwich (with bacon) and a side of collard greens. We ended up chatting to…
1910 Public House: Small town, big flavors!
Growing up in the suburbs (and staying outside the city when visiting home), I’m always grateful and on the look out for non-chain restaurants. As a way to celebrate and support local business, I think it’s important to dine in new establishments, especially ones like 1910 Public House in Lilburn, GA. A quick drive from my parent’s house, we arrive in the tiny downtown Lilburn and get a table right inside the front window. The decor is similar to Victory in that open plan, exposed HVAC kind of way (I happen to like this style, but I’m sure it’s not for everyone). Our server was polite (like, almost too nice — if such a thing is possible and the most proactive water pourer I have ever witnessed) and after looking at the fairly extensive cocktail list (great depth in the wine and local beer selections as well), a round was…
V is for Victory: Small sambos and boozy slushies.
There are lots of (not so) hidden gems in Decatur, GA and Victory Sandwich Bar is just such a location. When my sister pitched me a place with ‘Jack Daniels and Coke slushies,’ I was sold. The location is done in a loft style, with large windows and a patio (it was raining when we arrived, so we weren’t able to take advantage of the outside seating). On arrival, you place an order, and a server will bring your sandwiches (or salads, or pickles…you get the idea) to the table. I ordered the Mile High Club and the Hambo. The mile high was not particularly tall, well, neither sandwich was, but they were quite tasty and two was plenty (all with flavors as advertised). The rest of the table ordered a variety off the menu and each was happy with their order [apologies, the lack of sandwich pictures is directly…
Cocktails in the sky, at street level and not Hooters: A night out in Atlanta.
Coming home to Atlanta, I was probably most excited by the fact that I would get to see my sister and brother in law. After some back and forth about which hotel to stay in for a night out in the city, we ultimately decided on the Westin Peachtree Plaza (side note, even with the heavenly bedding, the amount of noise this hotel generates is a bit much, and I don’t think I would stay again). One of the bonuses of the Westin is the inclusion of one of the most iconic restaurants and lounges in the city, The Sun Dial. This venue is a rotating restaurant that delivers fantastic views of the city. To start our evening, we decided to go here for cocktails (no reservations are required in the lounge, but you would need to book if dining at the restaurant). Side bar: Not that everyone has to…
If You’re Ever in Athens, GA… Go to the Last Resort Grill.
Full disclosure, I have a lot of fond memories of this place. It is where Hubs was a bartender for a year or two and where we had our wedding reception many years ago (bonus – the owner let us ‘rent’ the property for nothing!). While there are any number of fantastic and original restaurants in the college town of Athens, GA the Last Resort Grill is one of my absolute favorites. Reservations? On the weekend (and even lunch) I would imagine they are necessary. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. There are always people waiting on a table. Ambiance? Eclectic Southern Art Loft meets former garage meets former bank. True story, the name ‘Last Resort’ comes from the time when the location used to be a bank, it was a person’s last resort for a loan on their way out of town. The unique layout…